President Obama Talks Trade Rights With China

President Obama just finished speaking on the need for more fair trade practices from China and the deadly violence in Afghanistan.

Obama starts at 11:35.

Starts talking about Afghanistan.

“The United States takes this as seriously as if it as our own citizens and our own children who were murdered. We are heartbroken over the loss of innocent life.”

“It’s not who we are as a country and it does not represent our military.”

“…Make sure that we spare no effort … in conducting a full investigation.”

“We will follow the facts wherever they lead us. … yesterday I met with General Allen and Ambassador Crocker and I have extraordinary confidence …” Notes he’s also meeting with UK PM Cameron, an important part of the coalition.

“We have a strategy that will allow us to responsibly wind down this war.”

“Meanwhile, we will continue the work of devastating Al-Qaeda’s leadership.”

Pivots to trade.

Obama: “We have the best workers and the best business in the world …. when the playing field is level, they will always be able to … compete and succeed.”

Says the key is to make sure the playing field is level. And that they prefer dialogue.

Obama: “But when it is necessary, I will take action if workers and our buisness are being subjected to unfair practices. Since I took office, we’ve brought trade cases against China at twice the rate of the previous administration.”

Notes that they halted an unfair surge in Chinese tires.

“But we haven’t stopped there. Two weeks ago, I created a trade enforcement unit. … As they ramp up their efforts, our competitors should be on notice. You will not get away with skirting the rules.”

“I just signed a bill to help American companies who are facing unfair competition. … Because of subsidies from foreign governments” they sell products

Says Japan and some European allies are bringing a new trade case over rare earth metals.

“We want our companies building” those products in America. “If China would simply let the market work on its own, we’d have no objections. But their policies currently are preventing that from happening …”

“We can’t let that energy industry take root in other countries … we will keep working every single day to give American workers and American businesses a fair shot.”

“America needs to get back to doing what it’s always done best: A country that builds and sells” all around the world.